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Volume 5, Number 43
24 October 2005
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FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RESEARCH
Spermicide used alone for contraception
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2005 Oct 19;(4):CD005218.
Grimes D | Lopez L | Raymond E | Halpern V | Nanda K | Schulz K | Grimes D
This Cochrane review examined all known randomized controlled trials of a spermicide used alone for contraception. The probability of pregnancy varied widely in reported trials. A gel containing nonoxynol-9 52.5 mg was inferior to two other products tested in the largest trial. Aside from this finding, personal characteristics and behavior of users may be more important than characteristics of the spermicide products in determining the probability of pregnancy. Gel was liked more than the film or vaginal suppository in the largest trial.
Changing the prescribing patterns of sexually transmitted infections in the White Nile Region of Sudan
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; North Africa)
Sexually Transmitted Infections. 2005 Oct;81(5):426-427.
Eltayeb IB | Awad AI | Mohamed-Salih MS | Daffa-Alla MA | Ahmed MB | Ogail MA | Matowe L
This study evaluated the effect of multifaceted interventions on prescribing for STIs in the White Nile State, Sudan. Prescriber targeted interventions involving audit and feedback together with academic detailing and practice guidelines reduced the number of inappropriate prescriptions by 50%. Audit and feedback together with seminars and practice guidelines reduced inappropriate prescriptions by 43%. Audit and feedback alone reduced inappropriate prescriptions by 16%.
An assessment of the first 3 years' use of Implanon® in Luton
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Europe)
Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care. 2005 Oct;31(4):310-312.
Agrawal A | Robinson C
The aims of the study were to study the clinical and demographic profile of Implanon users, to assess the continuation rates of Implanon in the local population, and to identify the reasons for removal. Of 86 cases, 26 had completed the full 3-year period; therefore, the continuation rate at 3 years was 30.2%. The continuation rate at the end of 1 year was 69.8% and at 2 years was 44.1%. Of the 60 women who had their Implanon removed before the recommended 3-year period, the most common reason was for bleeding irregularity (24 cases, 40%).
Introducing diaphragms into the mix: what happens to male condom use patterns?
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
AIDS and Behavior. Online access October 19, 2005.
Posner SF | van der Straten A | Kang MS | Padian N | Chipato T
This analysis assessed the effect of introducing the diaphragm on condom use patterns in Harare, Zimbabwe. Introducing the diaphragm increased the overall proportion of protected acts. The proportion of acts where a male condom was used did not change. Female condoms use declined because concurrent use with the diaphragm is not possible.
A survey of knowledge, attitudes and practices relating to emergency contraception among health workers in Manisa, Turkey
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Europe)
Midwifery. Online access October 11, 2005.
Sevil U | Yanikkerem E | Hatipoglu S
This study determined knowledge, attitudes, and practices relating to emergency contraception among health-care providers (general practitioners, nurses, and midwives). Knowledge among health-care providers about emergency contraception was found to be inadequate. The authors note that all health-care providers should know about emergency contraception and include it in routine contraceptive consultations. Thus, they recommend continuing education information programs be required.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH NEWS
Muslim women in Saptari use family planning means
(News Article; Asia)
20 Oct 2005
The Rising Nepal
An increasing number of Muslim women in Saptari (Nepal) are attracted to family planning methods, defying the traditional belief that Muslims should avoid family planning methods.
3,000 women set for 'invisible condom' trial
(News Article; Global)
21 Oct 2005
Cape Argus
About 10,000 healthy women will be part of a groundbreaking microbicide trial, the biggest conducted, which kicks off soon. A project of the University of the Witwatersrand's reproductive health research unit, the trial will involve 3,000 women from greater Johannesburg and is expected to take 3 to 4 years.
Reproductive health in the Middle East: achievements and challenges
(News Article; Middle East)
21 Oct 2005
Yemen Times
This article reviews the problems and successes with reproductive health issues in the Middle East.
Experts examine female condom evidence and chart road for the future
(Press Release; Global)
14 Oct 2005
PATH
Related Unpublished Work: Global consultation on the female condom
The female condom has tremendous potential to improve the health of women, and yet 12 years after it was first introduced, use is still low. Experts from 15 countries convened in Baltimore, MD, September 26 to 29 and agreed on a plan to accelerate access to and use of the female condom in developing countries.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH LAW AND POLICY
Family planning reward policy to be introduced this year
(News Article; Asia)
24 Oct 2005
Xinhua
A new family planning reward policy is to be introduced in 23 provincical regions in China this year. According to the policy, rural couples with only one child or two daughters will be eligible for a cash reward of no less than 600 yuan (US$72) each year when they are 60 years old. The reward will last for the rest of their lives.
Systems thinking: what business modeling can do for public health
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Journal of Public Health Management & Practice. 2005 Nov/Dec;11(6):550-553.
Williams W | Lyalin D | Wingo PA
The authors review the initial business modeling efforts in immunization and cancer registries and present a case to broadly apply business modeling methods of systems engineering to analyze and improve public health processes.
Gender policy key in fighting HIV/AIDS
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
19 Oct 2005
New Era (Windhoek)
The Women's Leadership Centre has called for the full and urgent implementation of the National Gender Policy to ensure that Namibian women enjoy full human rights that would enable them to survive the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
HIV/AIDS RESEARCH
The changing natural history of HIV disease: before and after the introduction of generic antiretroviral therapy in southern India
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Clinical Infectious Disease. 2005 Nov 15;41(10):1525-1528.
Kumarasamy N | Solomon S | Chaguturu SK | Cecelia AJ | Vallabhaneni S | Flanigan TP | Mayer KH
This brief report reviews the changes in the HIV epidemic in India since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The number of individuals seeking treatment HIV infection increased as the cost of HAART decreased 20-fold after the introduction of generic HAART in India in the year 2000. The incidence of tuberculosis and opportunistic infections decreased to less than 2 cases per 100 person-years. Death rates decreased from 25 to 5 deaths per 100 person-years between 1997 and 2003.
The role of popular narratives in stimulating the public discourse on HIV and AIDS: Bollywood's answer to Hollywood's Philadelphia
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
South Asian Popular Culture. 2005 Apr;3(1):3-15.
Singhal A | Vasanti PN
This article analyzes the role of a popular Hindi film, Phir Milenge (We Will Meet Again), in stimulating the AIDS-related public discourse in India. The paper discusses the entertainment-education strategy in HIV/AIDS prevention, including the role of popular mainstream feature films in stimulating the public discourse on HIV and AIDS. Findings suggest that popular, mainstream films starring megastars can help break the silence about AIDS and move the discussion of HIV/AIDS from the personal-private to the public-policy sphere.
Micronutrient supplementation in children and adults with HIV infection
(Review/Synthesis; Global)
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2005 Oct 19;(4):CD003650.
Irlam J | Visser M | Rollins N | Siegfried N
This Cochrane review assessed whether micronutrient supplements are effective in reducing morbidity and mortality in adults and children with HIV infection. Authors of the review were not able to find conclusive evidence to show that micronutrient supplementation effectively reduces morbidity and mortality among HIV-infected adults.
A review of preventative efforts in the fight against HIV and AIDS in Africa
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Norsk Geografisk Tidsskrift. 2005 Mar;59(1):26-36.
Kalipeni E | Mbugua N
This article reviews the response to HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Researchers argue that the disease spread rapidly in this region because many of the policies and prevention efforts were initiated rather late and were half-hearted at best. This notwithstanding, there is hope for stemming the tide, as illustrated by the case studies from Uganda and Senegal.
Scaling up antiretroviral therapy in Africa: learning from tuberculosis control programmes—the case of Malawi
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. 2005 Oct;9(10):1062-1071.
Libamba E | Makombe S | Harries AD | Chimzizi R | Salaniponi FM | Schouten EJ | Mpazanje R
In this review researchers describe how they adopted several of the principles of directly observed therapy (DOTS) for delivering anti-retroviral therapy (ART) in Malawi: case finding and registration, treatment, monitoring, drug procurement, staffing, and the issue of free drugs. They also discuss ART for HIV-infected TB patients. By using the DOTS approach programs be able to deliver ART to large numbers of HIV-infected patients under controlled conditions, and minimize the risk of developing drug resistance.
Exploring the role of family caregivers and home-based care programs in meeting the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS 
(Report; Sub-Saharan Africa)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Johannesburg, Horizons Research Update, May 2005.
Homan R | Searle C | Esu-Williams E | Aguirre M | Mafata S | Meidany F | Oosthuizen C | Towel L
In 2004, the Horizons Program undertook a study of six different home-based care (HBC) programs on the cost of HBC services, the best use of resources, and how well programs are able to meet the needs of beneficiaries and their families. This summary documents the roles played by household and HBC program caregivers in meeting the needs of the chronically ill. It also identifies those needs that are not being met by household and HBC program caregivers. A better understanding of the roles played by the different caregivers and of the unmet needs of the chronically ill can assist program managers, policy makers, and donors in strengthening interventions to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS on households.
HIV/AIDS NEWS
HIV vaccine results are promising
(News Article; Global)
22 Oct 2005
The Seattle Times
An experimental HIV vaccine, which scientists say is the most promising in 20 years, has had such good results recently that researchers are doubling the number of volunteers involved in the trials.
India's HIV/AIDS pandemic threatens economic and social fabric
(Press Release; Asia)
20 Oct 2005
Association Francois-Xavier Bagnoud
Albina du Boisrouvray, president of the Association Francois-Xavier Bagnoud, warned the 5th International Conference on AIDS India that without sweeping national reforms the growing number of India's AIDS-related orphans threatens to overwhelm communities and devastate the national economy.
China could have 10 million HIV cases by 2010
(News Article; Asia)
24 Oct 2005
Reuters
China, once accused of being slow to acknowledge the threat of AIDS, could have as many as 10 million HIV carriers in five years if no effective preventive measures are taken, state media said on Monday, echoing a grim UN warning.
Zambia tests HIV 'herbal remedy'
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
19 Oct 2005
BBC
Zambia has begun trials of three herbal medicines to see if they can be used to treat HIV/AIDS.
Egypt: lifting the veil of taboo on HIV/AIDS
(Feature Article; North Africa)
19 Oct 2005
Integrated Regional Information Networks
Experts in Egypt are calling for a strong media campaign to help break down the ignorance and social prejuidice that still forces HIV-positive people to live in the closet.
Dying village underscores impact of AIDS
(Feature Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
18 Oct 2005
Seattle PI
The despair is unmistakable in Napasha, a village in the southern African nation of Malawi where an AIDS epidemic has compounded the vicious cycle of poverty, hunger, and disease.
Sudan launches HIV/AIDS awareness campaign
(News Article; North Africa)
18 Oct 2005
Sudan Tribune
Sudan’s government and the United Nations Children’s Fund launched a national awareness campaign for HIV/AIDS, which has claimed the lives of 23,000 Sudanese and is jeopardizing dividends from a January peace deal that ended this country’s 21-year civil war.
Zambia faith leaders join efforts to tackle HIV/AIDS
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
18 Oct 2005
The Christian Post
In the effort to stop the spread of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Zambia, seven major faith groups signed a communiqué recently, expressing their commitment to address one of the most threatening problems in Africa.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH RESEARCH
Vaginal disinfection for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection
(Review/Synthesis; Global)
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2005 Oct 19;(4):CD003651.
Wiysonge C | Shey M | Shang J | Sterne J | Brocklehurst P | Wiysonge CS
This review estimated the effect of vaginal disinfection on the risk of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV and infant and maternal mortality and morbidity, as well as tolerability of vaginal disinfection in HIV-infected women. Results showed no evidence of an effect of vaginal disinfection on the risk of MTCT of HIV.
Efficacy and safety of cesarean delivery for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1
(Review/Synthesis; Global)
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2005 Oct 19;4:CD005479.
Read JS | Newell ML
This Cochrane review assessed the efficacy and the safety of elective cesarean section (ECS) among HIV-1-infected women for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV-1. The review results indicated that ECS is an efficacious intervention for the prevention of MTCT among HIV-1-infected women not taking anti-retrovirals or taking only zidovudine.
The association between body weight, unintended pregnancy resulting in a livebirth, and contraception at the time of conception
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Maternal and Child Health Journal. Online access October 19, 2005.
Huber LRB | Hogue CJ
The authors conducted a case–control study using multistate (US) data from the 1999 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. A total of 18,445 women provided complete information on pregnancy intention, contraceptive use at the time of conception, weight, height, and other covariates. Among contraceptors, overweight and obese women had nearly twice the odds of having an unintended pregnancy as compared to women with normal body mass indices after adjustment for age, marital status, education, socioeconomic status, Medicaid, race/ethnicity, and parity. No association was found between heavier weight and unintended pregnancy among noncontraceptors.
High-risk human papillomavirus detection and related risk factors among pregnant and nonpregnant women in Mexico
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Central America and the Caribbean)
Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 2005 Oct;32(10):613-618.
Hernandez-Giron C | Smith JS| Lorincz A | Lazcano E | Hernandez-Avila M | Salmeron J
This study investigated differences in the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection between pregnant and nonpregnant women in Morelos, Mexico. The principal finding was a higher detection of high-risk HPV DNA in pregnant women.
Vitamin A supplementation for reducing the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection
(Review/Synthesis; Global)
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2005 Oct 19;(4):CD003648.
Wiysonge C | Shey M | Sterne J | Brocklehurst P | Wiysonge CS
In this Cochrane review, researchers assessed the effects of antenatal and intrapartum vitamin A supplementation on the risk of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV infection and infant and maternal mortality and morbidity, and the tolerability of vitamin A supplementation. Currently available evidence do not support the use of vitamin A supplementation of HIV-infected pregnant women to reduce MTCT of HIV, though there is an indication that vitamin A supplementation improves birth weight.
Challenges for traditional birth attendants in northern rural Honduras
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Central America and the Caribbean)
Midwifery. Online access August 2, 2005.
Low LK | Scheib H | Bailey JM | Sacks E
This article explores the relationship between community-based parteras, the staff at the Centro Materno Infantil (Mother–Child Centre), and other public health facilities within the district of Morazán in northern rural Honduras during the transition to new models of maternity care. Five themes emerged from the focus group data: the shared view that attending birth is connected to a religious calling; the desire for additional training; the desire for support from, and connection to, existing public-health services and infrastructure; the role of parteras in providing services to women who otherwise would not receive care; and the lack of new parteras to carry on this work in the future.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH NEWS
Got milk? How breastfeeding affects HIV transmission
(News Article; Global)
22 Oct 2005
Science Daily
Related Abstract; subscription needed for full text: Lewis X component in human milk binds DC-SIGN and inhibits HIV-1 transfer to CD4+ T lymphocytes
Mother to child transmission of HIV accounts for a large proportion of HIV infections in children, with many infected as a result of breastfeeding, which requires transfer of the virus across mucosal barriers. DC-SIGN, a DC lectin receptor, interacts with HIV and is found at high expression levels in tonsillar tissue. A paper appearing online on October 20 in advance of print publication of the November issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation clarifies how human milk affects the HIV interactions with DC-SIGN that occur during breastfeeding.
AIDS babies show a down-trend
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
20 Oct 2005
City Vision
The first signs that the Western Cape is turning around the tide against HIV/AIDS have become visible: Doctors are no longer used to treating AIDS babies daily.
MEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH
Adult male circumcision: results of a standardized procedure in Kisumu District, Kenya
(Abstract; Sub-Saharan Africa)
British Journal of Urology International. 2005 Nov;96(7):1109-1113.
Krieger JN | Bailey RC | Opeya J | Ayieko B | Opiyo F | Agot K | Parker C | Ndinya-Achola JO | Magoha GA | Moses S
In a combined study from the USA and Kenya, the safety of adult male circumcision in the latter country was reviewed, particularly with the purported association between this procedure and a lower incidence of HIV and other STIs. It was found that safe and acceptable adult male circumcision services could be delivered in developing countries should this be advocated as a public health measure.
MEN'S HEALTH NEWS
Italian dads oldest in the world
(News Article; Europe)
20 Oct 2005
ANSA
Italy's menfolk are successfully putting off fatherhood for so long that the country now boasts the oldest dads in the world, according to the latest statistics.
College gender gap widens: 57% are women
(News Article; North America)
11 Oct 2005
USA Today
In May, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education posted the inevitable culmination of a trend: Last year for the first time, women earned more than half the degrees granted statewide in every category, be it associate, bachelor, master, doctoral or professional. Educators now wonder whether men need preferential treatment.
POPULATION RESEARCH
Russia in 2015: development goals and policy priorities
(Report; Asia)
United Nations Development Programme, 2005.
Related News Article: Russia's spiralling HIV, health problems highlighted in UN report
Related News Article: Population dip in Russia blamed on alcoholism and poverty
This report, the tenth in the series of the national reports launched by UNDP in cooperation with the Government of the Russian Federation in 1995, is dedicated to the adaptation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) in the Russian context. The Report was prepared by a group of independent Russian experts with participation of the UN agencies and support of the Centre of Strategic Research as well as in active dialogue with state bodies. Using the MDG concept, the authors outline a set of priorities and goals characteristic of the current stage of reforms in Russia, as well as possible scenarios and progress indicators of the goals achievement by 2015. The Report highlights existing problems and ongoing reforms in the sphere of human development.
The determinants of fertility in rural Peru: program effects in the early years of the national family planning program
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; South America)
Journal of Population Economics. 2005 Jun;18(2):367-389.
Angeles G | Guilkey DK | Mroz TA
Using data from the 1991 Peru Demographic Health Survey, a linked Situation Analysis, and a unique region-level data set, this paper examines the determinants of fertility in rural Peru before and after the 1985 enactment of its National Policy on Population. The empirical framework combines a model of the timing and spacing of conceptions with a model of the timing of the placement of family planning services in communities in order to control for non-random placement of services. Results show the program helped reduce fertility post 1985.
Trends and characteristics of AIDS mortality in the Rio de Janeiro city after the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy
(Research Article; South America)
Brazilian Journal of Infectious Disease. 2005 Jun;9(3):209-215.
Saraceni V | Cruz MM | Lauria Lde M | Durovni B
Researchers examined the characteristics of AIDS mortality in Rio de Janeiro city from 1995 to 2003. During this period, highly active antiretroviral therapy with protease inhibitors was made available, and it changed the pattern of the epidemics. There was a 47.5% reduction in the number of AIDS deaths within the period, with an increase in the proportion of women among the deceased; their schooling was lower than that of the men, similar to the trends of the national-level epidemics. The main place of death changed from university hospitals to emergency rooms. Although there is free distribution of antiretrovirals by the public health system, many patients still lack access to diagnosis and treatment.
On stochastic comparisons of population age structures and life expectancies
(Research Article; Global)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Demographic Research. 2005 Oct 19;13(6):143-162.
Cohort measures, describing a lifetime random variable, are easily and unambiguously obtained using standard tools. On the contrary, the lifetime random variable, and therefore life expectancy, for the period setting cannot be unambiguously defined without additional simplifying assumptions. For non-stationary populations the corresponding conventional period measures should be justified in some way. This paper considers different measures of life expectancy and compare them for specific populations using stochastic ordering of the corresponding random variables.
POPULATION NEWS
Ukraine faces population crisis
(News Article; Europe)
20 Oct 2005
For UM
According to fertility experts, Ukraine is facing a population crisis.
Higher birthrate erodes growth until 2040: KDI
(News Article; Asia)
18 Oct 2005
The Korea Times
Raising the birthrate will not necessarily help boost the nation’s economic growth potential over the next couple of decades, as more children mean a greater burden of the working population, the Korea Development Institute said.
Blame poverty on high fertility rate — report
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
22 Oct 2005
New Vision
A high fertility rate, coupled with poor access to contraception, is the cause of Uganda’s high population growth, which is in turn responsible for the rampant poverty.
WOMEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH
Are affluent, well-educated, career-orientated women knowledgeable users of the oral contraceptive pill?
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care. 2005 Oct;31(4):307-309.
van der Westhuizen M | Hall D
This study described the profile, knowledge, and understanding of oral contraceptive users in a private general practice in Johannesburg, South Africa. Results showed that educated, affluent women attending a private general practice lacked basic knowledge of the oral contraceptive pill.
Fear, hope and social desirability bias among women at high risk for HIV in West Africa
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care. 2005 Oct;31(4):285-287.
Guest G | Bunce A | Johnson L | Akumatey B | Adeokun L
Researchers examined social desirability bias (SDB) from the perspective of 60 women at high risk for HIV in two West African countries: Ghana and Nigeria. They solicited suggestions for reducing SDB in the context of HIV research and prevention and asked for feedback regarding methods currently being employed to reduce SDB.
MyMonthlyCycles.com offers free interactive tools for breast health
(Press Release; Global)
20 Oct 2005
PR Newswire
In observance of October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, MyMonthlyCycles™ has launched a breast health awareness campaign to showcase the site's free interactive breast health management tools. These include such distinctive features as sending date-specific reminders to a woman based on the optimal time to perform her monthly breast self exam and reminding her to schedule an annual mammogram.
WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWS
In Mali, women debate circumcision
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
19 Oct 2005
UPI
Female circumcision is widespread in West Africa, despite a smattering of national laws and campaigns to eradicate the practice. In Mali, for example, almost 92% of women of childbearing age have been circumcised, according to a recent government study. But Mali is now spearheading a new regional initiative against female circumcision using an unusual medium: Griots, a member of the cast of traditional singers and storytellers, who exert a powerful and indispensable role in traditional West African culture. "Circumcision is one of the foundations of the society," one griot said decisively in a recent interview in Bamako. "It helps women maintain her purity and cleanliness."
Government begins work on comprehensive anti-rape strategy
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
17 Oct 2005
BuaNews (Tshwane)
The government of South Africa has established an interdepartmental team to develop an effective anti-rape strategy that would focus on improving the reporting of rape cases to the police.
Microbicides may give women power to choose
(News Article; Asia)
16 Oct 2005
New Kerala
Women empowerment will acquire new meaning in Tamil Nadu in a few month's time when the third phase of the clinical trials for at least three candidate microbicides begins.
YOUTH HEALTH RESEARCH
'Let's talk about sex, baby...': conversing with Zimbabwean children about HIV/AIDS
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Children's Geographies. 2005 Aug;3(2):201-218.
Gwanzura-ottemöller FP | Kesby MG
The lack of HIV/AIDS research with children under 15 in Zimbabwe indicates that most researchers believe children are too young to ‘talk about sex’. However, some are already sexually active, the rest soon will be, and children constitute 45% of Zimbabwe's population. This mixed methods study surveyed 118 children and interviewed 36 about their understanding of sex and HIV/AIDS. The study revealed that the children had a range of knowledge levels about HIV/AIDS and sexual issues. It established that children can and want to discuss these sensitive issues and that their attitudes towards safer sex are often more advanced than those of adults.
A randomized social network HIV prevention trial with young men who have sex with men in Russia and Bulgaria
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia | Europe)
AIDS. 2005 Nov 4;19(16):1897-1905.
Amirkhanian YA | Kelly JA | Kabakchieva E | Kirsanova AV | Vassileva S | Takacs J | Difranceisco WJ | McAuliffe TL | Khoursine RA | Mocsonaki L
This study evaluated the effects of an HIV prevention intervention with social networks of young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in St. Petersburg, Russia and Sofia, Bulgaria. Interventions that engage the identified influence leaders of at-risk YMSM social networks to communicate theory-based counseling and advice can produce significant sexual risk behavior change. This model is culturally pertinent for HIV prevention efforts in former socialist countries, as well as elsewhere for other hard-to-reach vulnerable community populations.
Sexual risk behaviour among undergraduate students in Enugu, Nigeria
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 2005 Aug;25(6):592-595.
Okafor II | Obi SN
This study aims to identify high-risk sexual behavior among undergraduate students in a developing country and to formulate programs targeted at reduction of complications of such risky sexual behavior. More female students than their male counterparts (65.7% vs 42.2%) had their first sexual encounter as an adolescent. While economic reasons are a major factor that encourages risky sexual behaviour in the female, the urge to have sex and curiosity tended to favor such sexual experimentation in the male. Despite a good knowledge of the complications that could follow such risky sex behavior, the sex lives of the students remained unchanged.
Do sexual health services encourage teenagers to use condoms? a longitudinal study
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Europe)
Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care. 2005 Oct;31(4):271-280.
Parkes A | Henderson M | Wight D
This study investigated whether 15/16-year-olds who attended sexual health services used condoms more and had different beliefs about condoms compared to those who did not use these services. Obtaining free condoms from services was associated with greater condom use and positive changes in attitudes towards condoms, although the role of service counselling remains unclear.
YOUTH HEALTH NEWS
Bringing family planning to life through 'Casa'
(Feature Article; Central America and the Caribbean)
19 Oct 2005
The Herald (Mexico)
Teenage mothers, trained by CASA (Centro para los Adolescentes) of San Miguel de Allende, make up the majority of the organization's front-line workers in rural communities. They are able to give first-hand accounts of the difficulties and experiences they have had as a result of raising children at such a young age.
SPECIAL REPORTS/PROFILES/RESOURCES
Strategic behavioral communication (SBC) for HIV and AIDS: a framework
(Report; Global)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Family Health International, 2005.
This paper, from Family Health International (FHI) introduces strategic behavioral communication (SBC), a term that will replace behavior change communication (BCC), which previously described all communication-related components of FHI’s HIV/AIDS interventions. This paper also provides an in-depth description of the functions of SBC in the context of HIV/AIDS programming, SBC’s guiding principles and process, and the benefits it can offer across different programmatic areas.
Calendar of Events
November 4, 2005 - November 6, 2005International Conference on Malaria
Event Location: New Delhi, India
November 7, 2005 - November 11, 2005
III Latin American and Caribbean Forum of HIV/AIDS/STD; IV Central American Congress of STD/HIV/AIDS - CONCASIDA 2005; IV Central American Encounter of People Living With HIV/AIDS
Event Location: San Salvador, El Salvador
November 22, 2005 - December 2, 2005
Management of Behavior Change Communication Interventions
The course focuses on the managerial aspects of BCC interventions. Emphasis is placed on understand the theoretical and analytical basis for BCC, and the consequent planning and management interventions including monitoring and evaluation. During the course participants will produce a radio spot to be used as a practical example for the planning and management of BCC projects. However, the course does not accentuate the practical elements of communication materials production (for training in these elements please refer to the IEC Material Production and Use course or the three-week BCC course in April-May). Cultural, social, economic and political factors influencing individual’s choices and behaviours in relation to health, prevention of diseases and seeking of treatment will be analyzed. On the basis of this, participants will learn how to plan, manage, monitor and evaluate results oriented BCC strategies and programs. The course consists of in-house sessions, practical assignments and field trips.
Event Location: Bangkok, Thailand
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